Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
849. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will commission a study to investigate the potential link between chronic illnesses suffered by former Air Corps technicians and their exposure to toxic chemicals during the course of their duties, similar to inquiries established in Australia that found that medical conditions suffered by its air force staff were a direct result of their working conditions. [11866/17]
View answerAs I indicated in my responses to other recent parliamentary questions on this issue, it is not appropriate for me to comment on the matter of former Air Corps personnel who claim personal injuries alleging exposure to workplace chemicals at this time as these cases are the subject of ongoing civil litigation before the High Court. In reference to enquiries conducted in Australia, I am informed by the military authorities that there are a number of published reports and ongoing studies in relation to Australian personnel who were exposed to chemicals while conducting a particular maintenance task on a specific aircraft programme. As such, the military authorities have advised that it would be difficult to draw a direct comparison between the Irish Air Corps and that of the Australian Air Force.
There are a number of processes already in train relating to reviewing health and safety procedures in the Air Corps. As you know, following a number of inspections at the Air Corps premises at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, in 2016, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) issued a report of inspection with a number of general improvements and recommendations for follow up. The Air Corps committed to addressing these recommendations as part of an eight phase implementation plan. I am advised that seven out of the eight phases are planned to be completed by May 2017. You will also be aware that in September 2016 I appointed an independent third party to review allegations made in a number of protected disclosures relating to health and safety issues in the Air Corps which were received in late 2015 and early 2016. I await that reviewer’s report. I can assure the Deputy that I will ensure that all recommendations, whether arising from the work of the Health and Safety Authority or the ongoing protected disclosure review, will be acted upon to ensure the safety of the men and women of the Air Corps. In the circumstances and pending the completion of the ongoing processes, I have no plans to commission another review on this matter.
